Op-Ed: Obama says jobs bill ‘will be paid for’

Washington
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Before a joint session of Congress in less-than prime time on Thursday night, President Barack Obama delivered his American Jobs Act speech to "millions of Americans" who "don't care about politics," leading us to ask, then why deliver it?

The reshuffled speech began at 6 p.m. CST, in order to avoid a conflict with the National Football League’s opening game of the season. After all, America, and apparently the administration, has its priorities straight. The speech was also ordered moved from its original schedule on Wednesday night, by House Speaker John Boehner, so as not to conflict with a GOP presidential debate.

Calling America’s current woes an “economic crisis,” Obama has apparently shifted his position from just a few short weeks ago when, in a weekly address, stated the economy was improving. With a sense of urgency, the president’s voice sounded tough. But then, what would one expect from someone whose weekly poll numbers track right beside the spiraling economy?

Obama noted, finally accepting reality, the country is “in the face of an ongoing national crisis,” thanks in no small part to the “political circus” created by the very ones we chose to lead this country. Maybe he’s finally on to something.

Everything in the American Jobs Act “will be paid for,” the president said. Yet he offered little in the way of substance as to how, or who, will ultimately pay for it. Repeatedly urging, almost begging, Congress to pass the jobs bill immediately, he said it would provide “a jolt to the economy.” With at least 14 million Americans currently unemployed, it’s going to be a mighty long line waiting for that “jolt.”

“Pass this jobs bill.” “You should pass it right away.” “Pass this jobs bill.” “You should pass it again - right away.” “Pass this bill.” A political circus indeed, led by the nation’s leading clown.

The two political parties spent an entire summer unable to reach an agreement on the nation’s debt ceiling, a so-called “crisis” by the media, yet now Obama is asking the same circus participants to increase the $1.5 trillion in savings a super-committee is supposed to find within the next three months in order to pay for his jobs act. What’s the name of that song? Wasted days and wasted nights. Certainly, it could be re-written to target America’s sad state of politics.

Once again, the Democrat from Illinois targeted Medicare and Medicaid in his speech, calling for reform so it will be there when needed.

Almost a bad joke, the president added wealthy Americans are willing to help out in righting the sinking ship which is the United States, a sinking ship they have helped sink, in stating

I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order.

Maybe the president could share whatever drugs he’s on with those 14 million Americans, maybe help spread the delusion around a bit, ease the pain, so to speak.

As so many of his speeches have become since taking the role of US president and world leader, it lacked inspiration. It lacked conviction. And most importantly, it lacked anything of substance.

After the president’s speech, NPRspoke with four average Americans, each unemployed for a year or more, ranging from a college graduate seeking work for the last year to middle age workers.

None of the four expressed optimism, calling the speech “business as usual” and instead of offering more promises, the president should “follow through” on those promises and offer something “more concrete.” All four expressed the belief things will continue to get worse.

Obama spoke about tax increases and spending cuts. Sound familiar?

This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com